Sewing clip

ABSTRACT

A sewing clip is provided. In one embodiment, the sewing clip securely clamps fabrics of various thicknesses, sizes, elasticity, and textures in assistance of a sewing operation. The sewing clip includes two rigid members and an elastic assembly. The two rigid members each have a first surface with a clamping and handling end and a hinge extension coupled to the first surface. When employed in a sewing operation, the clamping end of each rigid member has a tapering-width adapted to slide in a direction away from a stitching point. An elastic assembly couples the hinge extensions of each rigid member and biases the two rigid members so as to secure overlapping fabric between the clamping ends while avoiding unnecessary alteration or damage to the fabric. A recessed divot is also provided in the clamping end that allows for retention of surplus fabric.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/540,284,entitled “SEWING CLIP” and filed on Aug. 12, 2009, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/188,862, entitled“GETTA GRIP SEWING CLIP” and filed on Aug. 14, 2008, both of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for textilesand more particularly to an apparatus for a sewing operation.

During the process of sewing, small pieces of metal wire having at leastone pointed end, such as straight pins, safety pins, and T-pins, arewidely used and have been around for many years. These pins, generallyknown as sewing pins, are used to join or affix layers of fabric. Forexample, layers of material in temporarily held in place prior to andduring stitching for the purpose of simulating where a line of stitchingor a seam would be on an article of clothing.

The typical sewing pin is secured in place by alternately piercing thematerial and weaving above and below the layer(s) of fabric. As such,the pins cause unsightly pinholes in the material(s) and may alsodestroy the structural elasticity and integrity of some textiles.Additionally, if the sewing pin does not cleanly slide through thefabric, the pin can snag the threads of delicate materials.

Another disadvantage is that sewing pins lack durability and can easilybreak if handled with excess force. In a typical sewing operation,sewing pins hold the layer(s) of fabric in place up until right before aneedle more permanently stitch the layer(s) of fabric. Due to theproximity of the sewing needle to sewing pins, sewing needles frequentlycome in contact with pins during a sewing operation. More specifically,a sewing machine (an appliance that automates the motion of a needle orneedles to bind fabric with a stitch) can easily snap or bend a sewingpin if the machine's needle strikes the sewing pin. Likewise, sewingpins can disrupt the function of a sewing machine by breaking, dulling,or misaligning the sewing machine's needle(s). This contact during asewing operation often damages the sewing needle, calling for frequent(and expensive) replacement.

The sewing pin's slight dimensions render a further disadvantage whenlost or misplaced. In addition, a further disadvantage is thepossibility of sustaining an injury from the sharp pointed end, whereinthe piercing-end punctures the skin and causes blood to stain fabric.Furthermore, metal sewing pins are susceptible to rust and corrosion,causing problems for the user and the fabric. Moreover, the process ofpinning in place, removing, and then safely stowing away entailsadditional time and care to prevent injury, loss, and breakage.

Another drawback to sewing pins is that the thin metal wire cannotcompletely penetrate or weave through excessively thick or bulkytextiles such as leather hide or fur. In lieu of sewing pins, glues suchas rubber cement and vinyl acetate, have commonly been employed totemporarily affix these textiles together. However, it has been foundthat these glues can clog sewing machine needles, break the thread, andcause skipped stitches. Moreover, these glues emit a toxic odor and areharmful to all whom are exposed to the fumes.

SUMMARY

The present invention is described and illustrated in conjunction withsystems, apparatuses, and methods of varying scope. In addition to theaspects of the present invention described in this summary, furtheraspects of the invention will become apparent by reference to thedrawings and by reading the detailed description that follows.

The multipurpose sewing clip facilitates all the different aspects andoperations that sewing comprises including, but not limited to, fitting,adjusting, draping, hemming, display, and stitching. As described ingreater detail below, in accordance with certain embodiments, the sewingclip securely clamps fabrics of various thicknesses, sizes, elasticity,and textures in assistance with a sewing operation.

The sewing clip overcomes many of the disadvantages associated with thesewing pin. There is no need for the sewing clip to pierce throughfabric, subsequently causing unsightly pinholes. Additionally, by nothaving to pierce through fabric, the sewing clip minimizes the risk ofsnagging a thread and destroying the elasticity and structural integrityof textiles. The lack of a sharp pointed-end lessens the chance of askin puncture and possible blood-stains. The functionality of the sewingclip allows for ease of use and avoids the time-consuming process ofpinning in place, removing, and then stowing the sharp pointed-end away.

The scale of the sewing clip allows for users to easily see, hold, andhandle the implement as well as allowing for greater resilience tobreakage and loss. In addition, the clip's structure lessens the risk ofa sewing machine needle coming in contact with the sewing clip.Moreover, the sewing clip accommodates many types of textiles includingexcessively thick or bulky materials such as leather and fur. As such,the sewing clip does not call for the use of toxic glues and subsequentproblems with skipped stitches.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for sewing is provided. The sewing clipincludes two rigid members and an elastic assembly. The two rigidmembers each have a first surface with a clamping end, a handling end,and a hinge extension coupled to the first surface. When employed in asewing operation, the clamping end of each rigid member has atapering-width adapted to slide in a direction away from a stitchingpoint. An elastic assembly couples the hinge extensions of each rigidmember and biases the two rigid members so as to secure overlappingfabric between the clamping ends while avoiding unnecessary alterationor damage to the fabric. A recessed divot in the clamping end is alsoprovided that allows for retention of surplus fabric.

Embodiments of the invention presented are examples and illustrative innature, rather than restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures. However,the embodiments and figures are illustrative rather than limiting,provide examples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the pivotingelongate members in a fully-closed position.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the pivotingelongate members.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example of thesewing clip as used in a sewing operation.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view illustrating the pivoting elongatemembers in a fully-open position.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view illustrating the pivoting elongatemembers in a fully-closed position.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged top plan view illustrating the pivoting elongatemembers in a closed position.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a side view illustrating thepivoting elongate members in fully-closed position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method of assembling a sewing clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, a sewing clip for securely clamping fabrics ofvarious thicknesses, sizes, elasticity, and textures is provided. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of theinvention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art thatthe invention can be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, structures, and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to “an example,” “one embodiment,” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of thephrases “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same, nor are separate oralternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

In various embodiments, the techniques introduced here enable homesewers, fashion students, garment manufacturers, and anyone who needs tojoin, affix, bind, hold, or retain textiles a multipurpose clip thatfacilitates all the different aspects and operations that sewingcomprises including, but not limited to, fitting, adjusting, draping,hemming, display, embroidering, suturing, and stitching.

FIG. 1 generally shows a sewing clip, generally depicted by referencenumeral 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus includes twosubstantially rigid members 101, a recessed divot 102, and an elasticassembly 103.

FIG. 1 also illustrates that each rigid member 101 includes a firstsurface 104 and a hinge extension 105. Each rigid member 101 has atleast one first surface 104, but can have a plurality of surfaces. Thefirst surface 104 is a planar or curved outermost boundary of athree-dimensional region. As an example, FIG. 2 illustrates anembodiment of a first surface 104 with a planar outermost boundaryhaving a generally elliptical shape. The hinge extension 102 is a jointthat allows two components to be coupled together so that one can swingrelative to the other. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a hingeextension 105 as a protruding tab having an aperture for receiving apin. The first surface 104 in the embodiment in FIG. 1 has three hingeextensions. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe first surface 104 requires at least one hinge extension 105.

This first surface 104, in further detail in FIG. 2, has a clamping end106 and a handling end 107. The clamping end 106 is the portion of arigid member 101 that extends from the hinge extension 105 to thefurthest point where materials are held or secured together. Thehandling end 107 is the portion of a rigid member 101 that extends fromjust above the hinge extension 105 to the farthest point where theapparatus is held when used or moved. The clamping end 106 and thehandling end 107 may encompass, but is not limited to, the first surface104 and can include multiple surfaces. The first surface 104 alsoincludes an axis 108 which extends from the clamping end 106 to thehandling end 107.

In addition, the width (or a horizontal measurement taken at a rightangle to the axis 108) of the clamping end 106 tapers such that thewidth of the clamping end gradually becomes narrower. FIG. 2 shows anembodiment of a clamping end 106 having a tapering width with aparabolic-like shape. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that other embodiments of a tapering width are conceivable.

Moreover, the tapering width is adapted to slide the clamping end 106 ina direction away from a stitching point 109. For the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the sewing clip's 100movement in conjunction with a sewing machine. As the sewing clip 100approaches the needle during a typical stitching operation, the force ofthe moving fabric compels a presser foot 117 of a sewing machine topress on the clamping end's 106 tapered-profile. This in turn slides theclamping end 106 in a direction away from the stitching point 109. Theshape of the clip, the position of the clip 100 as it is affixed to thefabric, the grade of the tapering, and the type of machine (e.g.,stitching, embroidery, surging, etc.) dictate the corresponding arc anddirection in which the clamping end 106 slides.

The substantially rigid members 101 and hinge extensions 105 may beconstructed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to,wood, plastic, metal, and composites. The substantially rigid members101 can be manufactured of any sturdy, relatively inflexible materialsuch that a hinge extension 105 can act as a fulcrum about which theclamping ends 106 and handling ends 107 can pivot about the hingeextension 105. The elastic assembly 103, described below, may beconstructed from any metallic, plastic, rubber element or compound.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sewing clip may be compelled or biasedinto an open position by applying pressure to the handling ends 107.FIG. 4 illustrates a profile view of an embodiment of the invention inwhich two substantially rigid members 101 are biased in a fully-openposition whereby the span between the furthest points of the clampingends 106 is maximized to its fullest. FIG. 4 shows a fully-open positionas one in which the furthest points of the handling ends 107 are incontact. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that afully-open position can also as be defined in other ways. In the samemanner, FIG. 5 illustrates a profile view of an embodiment of theinvention in which two substantially rigid members 101 are biased in afully-closed position.

FIG. 5 also shows a recessed divot 102 on an embodiment of theinvention. A recessed divot 102 is an indentation on a first surface 104of a rigid member 101 that creates a cavity in which surplus fabric canbe held in the clamping end 106. Surplus fabric can be defined as, amongother things, the addition of a new textile to the fabric already-heldin the clamping end 106 or drawing-in more of the already-held fabricinto the clamping end 106. At a minimum, embodiments of the inventionhave at least one recessed divot 102 on at least one of the firstsurfaces 104 of the sewing clip 100. However it will be apparent to oneskilled in the art that there can be more than one first surface 104having a recessed divot 102 as well as more than one recessed divot 102on one first surface 104. FIG. 5 illustrates the former embodiment inwhich each first surface 104 of each substantially rigid member 101contains one recessed divot 102 wherein the indentation is an arcuatecavity.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an elastic assembly 103 in anembodiment of the invention. An elastic assembly 103 couples the hingeextensions 105 of the two substantially rigid members 101. The elasticassembly 103 also biases the two rigid members 101 so as to securelayer(s) of overlapping fabric between the clamping ends 106.Embodiments of the elastic assembly 103 can be a helical torsion springand pin member, a hinge spring, a cantilever spring or other similarstructures. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe elastic assembly 103 can be a combination of components or a singlecomponent. The elastic assembly 103 shown in FIG. 6 includes a pinmember 111 that couples the hinge extensions 105 of each rigid member101 and a helical torsion spring 110 with annular coils mounted aroundthe pin member 111 to bias the rigid members 101 in a fully-closedposition that secures fabric. FIG. 2 also illustrates this embodiment ofthe elastic assembly with a helical torsion spring 110 and pin member111. A cross-sectional view of the helical torsion spring 110 is shownin FIG. 7 where the rigid members 101 apply sideway forces to the endsof the helical torsion spring to twist the coil tighter.

In addition to the elastic assembly 103, FIG. 6 also illustrates anexample of the arrangement of hinge extensions 105 in an embodiment ofthe invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the hinge extensions 105 from a firstrigid member 101 interweaves with the hinge extensions 105 from a secondrigid member 101. For this type of interwoven arrangement, the locationof hinge extensions 105 on this embodiment can be seen in FIG. 2 on asingular rigid member 101. FIG. 2 illustrates an asymmetrical layout ofthe hinge extensions 105 on a singular rigid member 101 wherein thehinge extensions' 105 locations are not evenly positioned about alongitudinal axis 108 of a rigid member 101. Although the rigid members108 are not symmetrical, the first and second rigid members can still becoupled together. Moreover, the rigid members 108 can still be identicalpieces for ease in manufacturing and assembly. Hinge extensions 105 withother arrangements and layouts different from this embodiment are alsopossible and apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The clamping end 106 of a substantially rigid member 101 accommodates avariety of materials with differing thicknesses, sizes, elasticity, andtextures. As such, the clamping end's 106 first surface 104 may vary indesign parameters in order to most suitably secure material between theclip or to prevent extensive movement or separation through theapplication of inward pressure. These design parameters include, but arenot limited to: size, shape, surface area, texture. For example, in oneembodiment of the invention, the first surface 104 of the clamping end106 may be covered with velvet or a rubber coating to prevent thinfabrics from slipping. In another embodiment of the invention, the firstsurface 104 of the clamping end 106 is similar to the surface of ahairbrush so as to immobilize fur materials. In another embodiment ofthe invention, the surface area of the clamping area 106 is corrugatedto better grip a fabric. Lastly, the handling end 107 of the sewing clipcan also be ergonomically designed to allow the user to more handilyopen and close the apparatus 100.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 116 of assembling the sewing clip. Fromstart 112 the method 116 comprises the coupling 113 of the twosubstantially rigid members 101 with an elastic assembly 103 andintroducing 114 the elastic assembly 103 to the sewing clip 100 thatcouples the hinge extension(s) 105 of each rigid member 101 and thatbiases the rigid members 101 to secure fabric in the clamping ends 106.In the coupling step 113 of the method 116, the rigid members 101 eachhave a first surface 104, hinge extension 105, and a recessed divot 102as described above. The steps of the method 116 do not necessarily occurin the order as written above, but can occur in any order. The method116 finishes 115 upon completion of the coupling 113 and introducingstep 114.

What is claimed:
 1. An apparatus for a sewing operation comprising: afirst substantially rigid, elongate member having: a first handling end;a first clamping end having a tapering width, the first clamping endadapted to slide in a direction away from a stitching point; a firsthinge extension located between the first clamping end and the firsthandling end such that the first hinge extension is a fulcrum aboutwhich the first clamping end and the first handling end can pivot; and arecessed divot located in the first clamping end of the first elongatemember, the recessed divot configured to hold surplus fabric during thesewing operation; wherein the first clamping end has a flat surface froma first tip to the recessed divot; a second substantially rigid,elongate member having: a second handling end; a second clamping endhaving a tapering width, the second clamping end adapted to slide in adirection away from the stitching point; and a second hinge extensionlocated between the second clamping end and the second handling end suchthat the second hinge extension is a fulcrum about which the secondclamping end and the second handling end can pivot; a pin membercoupling the first hinge extension and the second hinge extension; and aspring member having a plurality of annular coils mounted around the pinmember, the spring member biasing the first elongate member and thesecond elongate member so as to secure between the first clamping endand the second clamping end a fabric in an overlapping relationship forthe sewing operation.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a location ofthe first hinge extension is assymetrical along a first longitudinalaxis of the first elongate member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, whereinthe first elongate member and the second elongate member are identicalpieces.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a surface of the firstclamping end is substantially smooth such that the fabric is not damagedwhen secured between the first and the second clamping ends.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first clamping end is adapted toresist slippage in the fabric.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein afirst surface area of the first clamping end is adapted to hold thefabric in place for the sewing operation.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first handling end is ergonomically adapted to fit a finger.8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first clamping end has a lengthshorter than a length of the first handling end.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first handling end has a contoured surface.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first elongate member has an ovalsurface.
 11. An apparatus for a sewing operation comprising: twosubstantially rigid members, each rigid member having: a first surfacewith a clamping end and a handling end, the clamping end having atapering width and adapted to slide in a direction away from a stitchingpoint when a presser foot comes in contact with any surface of theapparatus; and a hinge extension coupled to the first surface andlocated between the clamping end and the handling end of the rigidmember such that the clamping end and the handling end can pivot aboutthe hinge extension; wherein at least one of the rigid members has arecessed divot on the first surface, the recessed divot located in theclamping end to hold surplus fabric during the sewing operation andextended from the hinge extension; and an elastic assembly coupling thehinge extension of each rigid member and biasing the two rigid membersso as to secure between the clamping ends a fabric in an overlappingrelationship.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the rigid membersare identical.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a location of theat least one hinge extension is assymetrical along a longitudinal axisof the rigid member.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the surfaceis substantially smooth such that the fabric is not damaged when securedbetween the clamping ends of each rigid member.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the clamping end is adapted to resist slippage of thefabric.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a surface area of theclamping end is adapted to hold the fabric in place for the sewingoperation.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising theelongate member having a second surface, wherein the second surface ofeach elongate member is ergonomically adapted to fit a finger.
 18. Amethod of assembling an apparatus for a sewing operation, comprising:coupling two substantially rigid members with an elastic assembly, eachrigid member having: a first surface with a clamping end and a handlingend, the clamping end having a tapering width and adapted to slide in adirection away from a stitching point; and a hinge extension coupled tothe first surface and located between the clamping end and the handlingend of the rigid member such that the clamping end and the handling endcan pivot about the hinge extension; wherein at least one first surfaceof the rigid members has a recessed divot located in the clamping end tohold surplus fabric during a sewing operation and extended from thehinge extension; and coupling an elastic assembly to the hinge extensionof each rigid member; and configuring the two rigid members to allow afabric to secure between the clamping ends of each rigid member in anoverlapping relationship for the sewing operation.